REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OF IRELAND, MARY McALEESE, AT THE FAMINE MEMORIAL, BOSTON
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OF IRELAND, MARY McALEESE, AT THE FAMINE MEMORIAL, BOSTON ON FRIDAY, 16 OCTOBER, 1998
Mayor Menino, distinguished guests and friends, I am very glad to have this opportunity to visit the Boston Famine Memorial. The unveiling of this Memorial just four months ago, was a very special occasion, full of significance for all Irish people, particularly the Irish of Boston.
We have been deeply impressed by this achievement and by the dedication of all those who have brought it about. I would like to acknowledge to Mayor Menino in particular, the support which he has given to this Memorial, and which is deeply appreciated by all our community here.
I want also to pay special tribute to Tom Flatley, this remarkable Irishman, who led and guided the project from the beginning. He has played an exceptional role in Boston’s business community and has contributed a great legacy to the life of this city. To him, to the sculptor Bob Shure, to the Famine Memorial Committee and staff, I offer our warmest congratulations. I extend every good wish too for the work of the Famine Institute which will address current Famine issues, already supported by so many Irish volunteers. This will be, I am sure, a very fitting sequel to this project.
This Memorial represents a painful and momentous part of our history; it represents too survival and courage, of overcoming adversity of the hardest kind. I know that this site has already become a place for reflection and learning, not just for Irish people, but for many other nationalities too. In doing so, we seek not to apportion blame, rather to honour those who were lost, to acknowledge those who survived and who found a life here.
Their descendants form a central part of the present Irish community in Boston and many of those descendants inspired the vision which gave us this Memorial. We remember them all today.
Mr. Mayor, I am sure that all of us who are part of the global Irish nation are delighted today to hear of the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to John Hume and David Trimble for their outstanding work for peace.
The Nobel Prize is a well deserved recognition of the courage and commitment of both men in breaking through the barriers of entrenched and sectarian thinking – and in working with the other political leaders to bring about a lasting and sustainable peace based on tolerance and mutual respect for the traditions that make up the community in Northern Ireland.
Their goal has at times seemed impossible – at times even unthinkable – but their perseverance has succeeded in bringing us to a new situation of hope. This award will give renewed determination to all of us to see the process through to a successful conclusion.
Throughout the process, the help and encouragement that the United States has given has been a crucial factor in turning the corner. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to President Clinton and to many others, like you Mayor Menino, for such vital support at a crucial time in our history.
ENDS